As the morning clouds lifted, the sunrise was shrouded in layers of gray.
After yesterday’s near-70 mile Easter Ride in the chilly wind,
this morning was a great way to loosen up those muscles and remember
what it’s like to NOT pedal in the wind all day!

And then the sun peeked out…
amazing how quickly the sky can change in a matter of minutes.

A morning sunrise like this makes it all worthwhile…
including the intrusive, far-too-early-in-the-morning alarm clock!!!
This morning was stunning.

It started out cloudy on the horizon…
and then the sun finally peeked out to reveal its morning glory.
But just for a few minutes… until it became enshrouded again in clouds.

Encouraging… that this morning’s sunrise was beautiful & pink.
Encouraging… that the snow fences were coming down along the beaches this morning.
Encouraging… that I crossed the 300-mile marker on this morning’s ride.
Encouraging… that all of my windows at home are wide open.
Encouraging… that I’ve already moved some of my plants out to the back porch.
Encouraging… that today is the official start of the city’s street cleaning in my neighborhood.
Encouraging… that it’s supposed to get over 80-degrees today!!!

Encouraging… that Winter may actually be over?!

With some surprisingly warm weather here in Chicago, the morning bike rides have been
a little easier to “get motivated” for. With the warmer mornings, I can wear fewer layers…
and get out a little sooner! Although it is Chicago… who are we kidding… it might still snow?!

This morning was the “official” kick-off of my sunrise morning bike rides!
The weather was nice yesterday – and supposed to be even nicer today. It was
great to get out there and see the sun rising over the lake again. It’s been a very
long winter… and it was wonderful to get my “summer ritual” started up again!